Long-term voluntary running modifies the levels of proteins of the excitatory/inhibitory system and reduces reactive astrogliosis in the brain of Ts65Dn mouse model for Down syndrome

We showed previously that voluntary long-term running improved cognition and motor skills, but in an age-dependent manner, in the Ts65Dn mouse model for Down syndrome (DS). Presently, we investigated the effect of running on the levels of some key proteins of the excitatory/inhibitory system, which is impaired in the trisomic brain, and on astroglia, a vital component of this system. Ts65Dn mice had free access to a running wheel for 9-13 months either from weaning or from the age of 7 months. Sedentary Ts65Dn mice served as controls. We found that running modified the levels of four of the seven proteins we tested that are associated with the glutamatergic/GABA-ergic system. Thus, Ts65Dn runners demonstrated increased levels of glutamine synthetase and metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 and decreased levels of glutamate transporter 1 and glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 (GAD65) versus sedentary mice, but of metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 and GAD65 only in the post-weaning cohort. GAD67, ionotropic N-methyl-D-aspartate type receptor subunit 1, and GABA_Aα5 receptors' levels were similar in runners and sedentary animals. The number of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-positive astrocytes and the levels of GFAP were significantly reduced in runners relative to sedentary mice. Our study provides new insight into the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effect of voluntary, sustained running on function of the trisomic brain by identifying the involvement of proteins associated with glutamatergic and GABAergic systems and reduction in reactive astrogliosis.

Effect of DYRK1A activity inhibition on development of neuronal progenitors isolated from Ts65Dn mice

Overexpression of dual-specificity tyrosine-(Y)-phosphorylation-regulated kinase 1A (DYRK1A), encoded by a gene located in the Down syndrome (DS) critical region, is considered a major contributor to developmental abnormalities in DS. DYRK1A regulates numerous genes involved in neuronal commitment, differentiation, maturation, and apoptosis. Because alterations of neurogenesis could lead to impaired brain development and mental retardation in individuals with DS, pharmacological normalization of DYRK1A activity has been postulated as DS therapy. We tested the effect of harmine, a specific DYRK1A inhibitor, on the development of neuronal progenitor cells (NPCs) isolated from the periventricular zone of newborn mice with segmental trisomy 16 (Ts65Dn mice), a mouse model for DS that overexpresses Dyrk1A by 1.5-fold. Trisomy did not affect the ability of NPCs to expand in culture. Twenty-four hours after stimulation of migration and neuronal differentiation, NPCs showed increased expression of Dyrk1A, particularly in the trisomic cultures. After 7 days, NPCs developed into a heterogeneous population of differentiating neurons and astrocytes that expressed Dyrk1A in the nuclei. In comparison with disomic cells, NPCs with trisomy showed premature neuronal differentiation and enhanced γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic differentiation, but astrocyte development was unchanged. Harmine prevented premature neuronal maturation of trisomic NPCs but not acceleration of GABA-ergic development. In control NPCs, harmine treatment caused altered neuronal development of NPCs, similar to that in trisomic NPCs with Dyrk1A overexpression. This study suggests that pharmacological normalization of DYRK1A activity may have a potential role in DS therapy.

Phosphorylation by Dyrk1A of clathrin coated vesicle-associated proteins: identification of the substrate proteins and the effects of phosphorylation

Dyrk1A phosphorylated multiple proteins in the clathrin-coated vesicle (CCV) preparations obtained from rat brains. Mass spectrometric analysis identified MAP1A, MAP2, AP180, and α- and β-adaptins as the phosphorylated proteins in the CCVs. Each protein was subsequently confirmed by [(32)P]-labeling and immunological methods. The Dyrk1A-mediated phosphorylation released the majority of MAP1A and MAP2 and enhanced the release of AP180 and adaptin subunits from the CCVs. Furthermore, Dyrk1A displaced adaptor proteins physically from CCVs in a kinase-concentration dependent manner. The clathrin heavy chain release rate, in contrast, was not affected by Dyrk1A. Surprisingly, the Dyrk1A-mediated phosphorylation of α- and β-adaptins led to dissociation of the AP2 complex, and released only β-adaptin from the CCVs. AP180 was phosphorylated by Dyrk1A also in the membrane-free fractions, but α- and β-adaptins were not. Dyrk1A was detected in the isolated CCVs and was co-localized with clathrin in neurons from mouse brain sections and from primary cultured rat hippocampus. Previously, we proposed that Dyrk1A inhibits the onset of clathrin-mediated endocytosis in neurons by phosphorylating dynamin 1, amphiphysin 1, and synaptojanin 1. Current results suggest that besides the inhibition, Dyrk1A promotes the uncoating process of endocytosed CCVs.

Form of dual-specificity tyrosine-(Y)-phosphorylation-regulated kinase 1A nonphosphorylated at tyrosine 145 and 147 is enriched in the nuclei of astroglial cells, adult hippocampal progenitors, and some cholinergic axon terminals

Compelling lines of evidence indicate that overexpression of dual-specificity tyrosine-(Y)-phosphorylation regulated kinase 1A (DYRK1A) in subjects with trisomy 21 (Down syndrome[DS]) contributes to the abnormal structure and function of the DS brain. In the present study, we used a novel, phospho-dependent antibody recognizing DYRK1A only with nonphosphorylated tyrosine 145 and 147 (DYRK1A Tyr-145/147P(-)), to investigate the expression pattern of this DYRK1A species in trisomic and disomic human and mouse brains. Immunoblotting and dephosphorylation experiments demonstrated higher levels of DYRK1A Tyr-145/147P(-) in postnatal trisomic brains in comparison with controls (by ∼40%) than those of the DYRK1A visualized by three other N- and C-terminally directed antibodies to DYRK1A. By immunofluorescence, the immunoreactivity to DYRK1A Tyr-145/147P(-) was the strongest in the nuclei of astroglial cells, which contrasted with the predominantly neuronal localization of DYRK1A visualized by the three other antibodies to DYRK1A we used. In addition, DYRK1A Tyr-145/147P(-) was enriched in the nuclei of neuronal progenitors and newly born neurons in the adult hippocampal proliferative zone and also occurred in some cholinergic axonal terminals. Our data show a distinctive expression pattern of DYRK1A forms nonphosphorylated at Tyr-145 and Tyr-147 in the brain tissue and suggest that DS subjects may exhibit not only upregulation of total DYRK1A, but also more subtle differences in phosphorylation levels of this kinase in comparison with control individuals.

A critical tryptophan and Ca2+ in activation and catalysis of TPPI, the enzyme deficient in classic late-infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis

Background

Tripeptidyl aminopeptidase I (TPPI) is a crucial lysosomal enzyme that is deficient in the fatal neurodegenerative disorder called classic late-infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (LINCL). It is involved in the catabolism of proteins in the lysosomes. Recent X-ray crystallographic studies have provided insights into the structural/functional aspects of TPPI catalysis, and indicated presence of an octahedrally coordinated Ca²⁺.

Methodology

Purified precursor and mature TPPI were used to study inhibition by NBS and EDTA using biochemical and immunological approaches. Site-directed mutagenesis with confocal imaging technique identified a critical W residue in TPPI activity, and the processing of precursor into mature enzyme.

Principal Findings

NBS is a potent inhibitor of the purified TPPI. In mammalian TPPI, W542 is critical for tripeptidyl peptidase activity as well as autocatalysis. Transfection studies have indicated that mutants of the TPPI that harbor residues other than W at position 542 have delayed processing, and are retained in the ER rather than transported to lysosomes. EDTA inhibits the autocatalytic processing of the precursor TPPI.

Conclusions/Significance

We propose that W542 and Ca²⁺ are critical for maintaining the proper tertiary structure of the precursor proprotein as well as the mature TPPI. Additionally, Ca²⁺ is necessary for the autocatalytic processing of the precursor protein into the mature TPPI. We have identified NBS as a potent TPPI inhibitor, which led in delineating a critical role for W542 residue. Studies with such compounds will prove valuable in identifying the critical residues in the TPPI catalysis and its structure-function analysis.

Upregulation of phosphorylated alphaB-crystallin in the brain of children and young adults with Down syndrome

Our previous proteomic studies disclosed upregulation of alphaB-crystallin, a small heat shock protein, in the brain tissue of Ts65Dn mice, a mouse model for Down syndrome (DS). To validate data obtained in model animals, we studied at present the levels and distribution of total alphaB-crystallin and its forms phosphorylated at Ser-45 and Ser-59 in the brain tissues of DS subjects and age-matched controls at 4 months to 23 years of age. On immunoblots from frontal cortex and white matter, alphaB-crystallin and its form phosphorylated at Ser-59 were detectable already in infants, whereas alphaB-crystallin phosphorylated at Ser-45 appeared in small amounts in older children. Although the levels of total alphaB-crystallin were modestly increased in DS subjects, the amounts of both phosphorylated forms were much higher (up to approximately 550%) in the group of older children and young adults with DS than in age-matched controls. Immunoreactivity to alphaB-crystallin occurred not only in a subset of oligodendrocytes and some subpial and perivascular astrocytes, which was reported earlier, but also in GFAP-positive astrocytes accumulating at the sites of ependymal injury as well as some GFAP/platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha-positive cells in both DS and control brains, which is a novel observation. Given that the chaperone and anti-apoptotic activities of alphaB-crystallin are phosphorylation-dependent, we propose that enhanced phosphorylation of alphaB-crystallin in the brains of young DS subjects might reflect a cytoprotective mechanism mobilized in response to stress conditions induced or augmented by the effect of genes encoded by the triplicated chromosome 21.

Prosegment of tripeptidyl peptidase I is a potent, slow-binding inhibitor of its cognate enzyme

Tripeptidyl peptidase I (TPP I) is the first mammalian representative of a family of pepstatin-insensitive serine-carboxyl proteases, or sedolisins. The enzyme acts in lysosomes, where it sequentially removes tripeptides from the unmodified N terminus of small, unstructured polypeptides. Naturally occurring mutations in TPP I underlie a neurodegenerative disorder of childhood, classic late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (CLN2). Generation of mature TPP I is associated with removal of a long prosegment of 176 amino acid residues from the zymogen. Here we investigated the inhibitory properties of TPP I prosegment expressed and isolated from Escherichia coli toward its cognate protease. We show that the TPP I prosegment is a potent, slow-binding inhibitor of its parent enzyme, with an overall inhibition constant in the low nanomolar range. We also demonstrate the protective effect of the prosegment on alkaline pH-induced inactivation of the enzyme. Interestingly, the inhibitory properties of TPP I prosegment with the introduced classic late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis disease-associated mutation, G77R, significantly differed from those revealed by wild-type prosegment in both the mechanism of interaction and the inhibitory rate. This is the first characterization of the inhibitory action of the sedolisin prosegment.

Carbonic anhydrase II in the developing and adult human brain

Carbonic anhydrase II (CA II) is one of 14 isozymes of carbonic anhydrases, zinc metalloenzymes that catalyze the reversible hydration of carbon dioxide to bicarbonate. Mutations in CA II in humans lead to osteopetrosis with renal tubular acidosis and cerebral calcifications, a disorder often associated with mental retardation. Recently, new avenues in CA II research have opened as a result of discoveries that the enzyme increases bicarbonate and proton fluxes and may play an important role in brain tissue. In the human brain, CA II was localized to oligodendrocytes, myelin, and choroid plexus epithelium. Because this conclusion was based on a few fragmentary reports, we analyzed in more detail the expression of the enzyme in human telencephalon. By immunoblotting, we found a gradual increase in CA II levels from 17 weeks' gestation to childhood and adolescence. By immunohistochemistry, CA II was found to be present not only in oligodendrocytes and choroid plexus epithelium (declining with aging in both these locations), but also in a subset of neurons mostly with GABAergic phenotype, in a few astrocytes, and transiently during brain development in the endothelial cells of microvessels. The enzyme also occurred in oligodendrocyte processes in contact with myelinating axons, myelin sheaths, and axolemma, but was either absent or appeared in minute amounts in compact myelin. These findings suggest the possible involvement of CA II in a wide spectrum of biologic processes in the developing and adult human brain and may contribute to better understanding of the pathogenesis of cerebral calcifications and mental retardation caused by CA II deficiency.

Tripeptidyl-peptidase I in health and disease

The lysosomal lumen contains numerous acidic hydrolases involved in the degradation of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, which are basic cell components that turn over continuously within the cell and/or are ingested from outside of the cell. Deficiency in almost any of these hydrolases causes accumulation of the undigested material in secondary lysosomes, which manifests itself as a form of lysosomal storage disorder (LSD). Mutations in tripeptidyl-peptidase I (TPP I) underlie the classic late-infantile form of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (CLN2), the most common neurodegenerative disorders of childhood. TPP I is an aminopeptidase with minor endopeptidase activity and Ser475 serving as an active-site nucleophile. The enzyme is synthesized as a highly glycosylated precursor transported by mannose-6-phosphate receptors to lysosomes, where it undergoes proteolytic maturation. This review summarizes recent progress in understanding of TPP I biology and molecular pathology of the CLN2 disease process, including distribution of the enzyme, its biosynthesis, glycosylation, transport and activation, as well as catalytic mechanisms and their potential implications for pathogenesis and treatment of the underlying disease. Promising data from gene and stem cell therapy in laboratory animals raise hope that CLN2 will be the first neurodegenerative LSD for which causative treatment will become available for humans.

Glycosaminoglycans Modulate Activation, Activity, and Stability of Tripeptidyl-peptidase I in Vitro and in Vivo

Tripeptidyl-peptidase I (TPP I, CLN2 protein) is a lysosomal exopeptidase that sequentially removes tripeptides from the N termini of polypeptides and shows a minor endoprotease activity. Mutations in TPP I lead to classic late-infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, a neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disease. TPP I proenzyme is converted in lysosomes into a mature enzyme with the assistance of another protease and is able to autoactivate in acidic pH in vitro via a unimolecular mechanism. Because autoactivation in vitro at the pH values reported for lysosomes generated inactive enzyme, we intended to determine whether physiologically relevant factors can modify this process to also make it plausible in vivo. Here, we report that high ionic strength and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) increase yields (ionic strength) or yields and rates (GAGs) of activation, enhance degradation of liberated TPP I prosegment fragments, and switch effective autoactivation of TPP I proenzyme toward less acidic pH values (up to pH 6.0). Although ionic strength and GAGs also inhibited TPP I activity in vitro and in living cells, the degree of inhibition (from 20 to 60%) appears to be of rather limited functional significance. Importantly, binding to GAGs improved thermal stability of TPP I and protected the enzyme against alkaline pH-induced denaturation in vitro (t((1/2)) of mature enzyme at pH 7.4 increased by approximately 8-fold in the presence of heparin) and in vivo ( approximately 2-fold higher loss of TPP I in cells deficient in GAGs than in control cells after bafilomycin A1 treatment). These findings elucidate a potent physiologically relevant mechanism of TPP I regulation by GAGs and suggest that generation of the active enzyme via autoactivation can be accomplished not only in vitro but in vivo as well.

Ser475, Glu272, Asp276, Asp327, and Asp360 are involved in catalytic activity of human tripeptidyl-peptidase I

Tripeptidyl-peptidase I (TPP I) is a lysosomal aminopeptidase that sequentially removes tripeptides from small polypeptides and also shows a minor endoprotease activity. Mutations in TPP I are associated with a fatal lysosomal storage disorder--the classic late-infantile form of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses. In the present study, we analyzed the catalytic mechanism of the human enzyme by using a site-directed mutagenesis. We demonstrate that apart from previously identified Ser475 and Asp360, also Glu272, Asp276, and Asp327 are important for catalytic activity of the enzyme. Involvement of serine, glutamic acid, and aspartic acid in the catalytic reaction validates the idea, formulated on the basis of significant amino acid sequence homology and inhibition studies, that TPP I is the first mammalian representative of a growing family of serine-carboxyl peptidases.

Maturation of Human Tripeptidyl-peptidase I in Vitro

Tripeptidyl-peptidase I (TPP I, CLN2 protein) is a lysosomal aminopeptidase that cleaves off tripeptides from the free N termini of oligopeptides and also shows minor endopeptidase activity. TPP I is synthesized as a preproenzyme. Its proenzyme autoactivates under acidic conditions in vitro, resulting in a rapid conversion into the mature form. In this study, we examined the process of maturation in vitro of recombinant latent human TPP I purified to homogeneity from secretions of Chinese hamster ovary cells overexpressing TPP I cDNA. Autoprocessing of TPP I proenzyme was carried out at a wide pH range, from approximately 2.0 to 6.0, albeit with different efficiencies depending on the pH and the type of buffer. However, the acquisition of enzymatic activity in the same buffer took place in a narrower pH "window," usually in the range of 3.6-4.2. N-terminal sequencing revealed that mature, inactive enzyme generated during autoactivation at higher pH contained N-terminal extensions (starting at 6 and 14 amino acid residues upstream of the prosegment/mature enzyme junction), which could contribute to the lack of activity of TPP I generated in this manner. Autoprocessing was not associated with any major changes of the secondary structure of the proenzyme, as revealed by CD spectroscopy. Both the activation and proteolytic processing of the recombinant TPP I precursor were primarily concentration-independent. The addition of the mature enzyme did not accelerate the processing of the proenzyme. In addition, the maturation of the proenzyme was not affected by the presence of glycerol. Finally, the proenzyme with the active site mutated (S475L) was not processed in the presence of the wild-type enzyme. All of these findings indicate a primarily intramolecular (unimolecular) mechanism of TPP I activation and autoprocessing and suggest that in vivo mature enzyme does not significantly participate in its own generation from the precursor.

N-glycosylation is crucial for folding, trafficking, and stability of human tripeptidyl-peptidase I

Tripeptidyl-peptidase I (TPP I) is a lysosomal serine-carboxyl peptidase that sequentially removes tripeptides from polypeptides. Naturally occurring mutations in TPP I are associated with the classic late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis. Human TPP I has five potential N-glycosylation sites at Asn residues 210, 222, 286, 313, and 443. To analyze the role of N-glycosylation in the function of the enzyme, we obliterated each N- glycosylation consensus sequence by substituting Gln for Asn, either individually or in combinations, and expressed mutated cDNAs in Chinese hamster ovary and human embryonic kidney 293 cells. Here, we demonstrate that human TPP I in vivo utilizes all five N-glycosylation sites. Elimination of one of these sites, at Asn-286, dramatically affected the folding of the enzyme. However, in contrast to other misfolded proteins that are retained in the endoplasmic reticulum, only a fraction of misfolded TPP I mutant expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells, but not in human embryonic kidney 293 cells, was arrested in the ER, whereas its major portion was secreted. Secreted proenzyme formed non-native, interchain disulfide bridges and displayed only residual TPP I activity upon acidification. A small portion of TPP I missing Asn-286-linked glycan reached the lysosome and was processed to an active species; however, it showed low thermal and pH stability. N-Glycans at Asn-210, Asn-222, Asn-313, and Asn-443 contributed slightly to the specific activity of the enzyme and its resistance to alkaline pH-induced inactivation. Phospholabeling experiments revealed that N-glycans at Asn-210 and Asn-286 of TPP I preferentially accept a phosphomannose marker. Thus, a dual role of oligosaccharide at Asn-286 in folding and lysosomal targeting could contribute to the unusual, but cell type-dependent, fate of misfolded TPP I conformer and represent the molecular basis of the disease process in subjects with naturally occurring missense mutation at Asn-286.

Biosynthesis, glycosylation, and enzymatic processing in vivo of human tripeptidyl-peptidase I

Human tripeptidyl-peptidase I (TPP I, CLN2 protein) is a lysosomal serine protease that removes tripeptides from the free N termini of small polypeptides and also shows a minor endoprotease activity. Due to various naturally occurring mutations, an inherited deficiency of TPP I activity causes a fatal lysosomal storage disorder, classic late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (CLN2). In the present study, we analyzed biosynthesis, glycosylation, transport, and proteolytic processing of this enzyme in stably transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells as well as maturation of the endocytosed proenzyme in CLN2 lymphoblasts, fibroblasts, and N2a cells. Human TPP I was initially identified as a single precursor polypeptide of approximately 68 kDa, which, within a few hours, was converted to the mature enzyme of approximately 48 kDa. Compounds affecting the pH of intracellular acidic compartments, those interfering with the intracellular vesicular transport as well as inhibition of the fusion between late endosomes and lysosomes by temperature block or 3-methyladenine, hampered the conversion of TPP I proenzyme into the mature form, suggesting that this process takes place in lysosomal compartments. Digestion of immunoprecipitated TPP I proenzyme with both N-glycosidase F and endoglycosidase H as well as treatment of the cells with tunicamycin reduced the molecular mass of TPP I proenzyme by approximately 10 kDa, which indicates that all five potential N-glycosylation sites in TPP I are utilized. Mature TPP I was found to be partially resistant to endo H treatment; thus, some of its N-linked oligosaccharides are of the complex/hybrid type. Analysis of the effect of various classes of protease inhibitors and mutation of the active site Ser(475) on human TPP I maturation in cultured cells demonstrated that although TPP I zymogen is capable of autoactivation in vitro, a serine protease that is sensitive to AEBSF participates in processing of the proenzyme to the mature, active form in vivo.

Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses: classification and diagnosis

The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) are neurodegenerative disorders characterized by accumulation of ceroid lipopigment in lysosomes in various tissues and organs. The childhood forms of the NCLs represent the most common neurogenetic disorders of childhood and are inherited in an autosomal-recessive mode. The adult form of NCL is rare and shows either an autosomal-recessive or autosomal dominant mode of inheritance. Currently, five genes associated with various childhood forms of NCLs, designated CLN1, CLN2, CLN3, CLN5, and CLN8, have been isolated and characterized. Two of these genes, CLN1 and CLN2, encode lysosomal enzymes: palmitoyl protein thioesterase 1 (PPT1) and tripetidyl peptidase 1 (TPP1), respectively. CLN3, CLN5, and CLN8 encode proteins of predicted transmembrane topology, whose function has not been characterized yet. Two other genes, CLN6 and CLN7, have been assigned recently to small chromosomal regions. Gene(s) associated with the adult form of NCLs (CLN4) are at present unknown. This study summarizes the current classification and new diagnostic criteria of NCLs based on clinicopathological, biochemical, and molecular genetic data. Material includes 159 probands with NCL (37 CLNI, 72 classical CLN2, 10 variant LINCL, and 40 CLN3) collected at the New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities (IBR) as well as a comprehensive review of the literature. The results of our study indicate that although only biochemical and molecular genetic studies allow for definitive diagnosis, ultrastructural studies of the biopsy material are still very useful. Thus, although treatments for NCLs are not available at present, the diagnosis has become better defined.

Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses: research update

This study describes the phenotype/genotype analysis of 159 probands with neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (37 CLN1, 72 classic CLN2, 10 variant LINCL, and 40 CLN3) collected at the New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities (IBR). Phenotype/genotype comparison showed that mutations in the CLN1 gene were associated with different phenotypes: infantile, late infantile, and juvenile. Two common mutations (223A-->C and 451C-->T) were found in 26 of 37 CLN1 subjects (64% of alleles examined). A nonsense point mutation, 451C-->T, was the most common in CLN1 subjects with infantile onset at 0-2 years, accounting for 50% of alleles studied. A missense point mutation, 223A-->C, was the most common among CLN1 subjects with juvenile onset older than 4 years, accounting for 45% of alleles examined. Twenty-one other CLN1 mutations were identified in 4 of 37 subjects with infantile onset, 6 of 37 with late-infantile onset, and 6 of 37 with juvenile onset. All CLN1 probands were palmitoyl-protein thioesterase (PPT)-deficient and showed granular osmiophilic deposits (GROD) at the electron microscopic (EM) level. In the group of classic CLN2 (72 probands), two common mutations were found: an intronic 3556G-->C transversion in the invariant AG of 3' splice junction in 55% of probands, and a nonsense mutation 3670C-->T in 30% of probands. Classic late-infantile onset (2-4 years) was found in 68 of 72 (95%) cases, whereas juvenile onset (> 4 years) occurred only in 4 of 72 (5%) cases. All probands had deficiency of tripeptidyl-peptidase I (TPP1) activity and, at the EM level, curvilinear profiles. Ten probands with late-infantile onset did not show mutations in the CLN2 gene, had normal TPP1 activity, and at the EM level had mixed profiles. Further studies are in progress to identify genetic defect(s) in these subjects. The CLN3 group (40 probands) was divided into two categories: classic or typical presentation, and delayed classic or atypical presentation. All CLN3 patients had onset of symptoms after 4 years of age. In 40 probands, the 1.02-kb common deletion was found in one or two alleles of the CLN3 gene. Homozygotes for the common CLN3 deletion showed the classic phenotype. The phenotype in compound heterozygotes was either the classic or the delayed classic or atypical form. Thus, our study indicates that some mutations in the CLN1 and CLN2 genes may be associated with juvenile onset of the disease process and a more benign clinical course. Interfamilial and intrafamilial variations also were found, especially in the speed of becoming blind and neurologically disabled.

Distribution of tripeptidyl peptidase I in human tissues under normal and pathological conditions

Tripeptidyl peptidase I (TPP I) is a lysosomal exopeptidase that cleaves tripeptides from the free N-termini of oligopeptides. Mutations in this enzyme are associated with the classic late-infantile form of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (CLN2), an autosomal recessive disorder leading to severe brain damage. To gain more insight into CLN2 pathogenesis and the role of TPP I in human tissues in general, we analyzed the temporal and spatial distribution of TPP I in the brain and its localization in internal organs under normal and pathological conditions. We report that TPP I immunoreactivity appears in neurons late in gestation and increases gradually in the postnatal period, matching significantly the final differentiation and maturation of neural tissue. Endothelial cells, choroid plexus, microglial cells, and ependyma showed TPP I immunostaining distinctly earlier than neurons. Acquisition of the adult pattern of TPP I distribution in the brain at around the age of 2 years correlates with the onset of clinical signs in CLN2 subjects. In adults, TPP I was found in all types of cells in the brain and internal organs we studied, although the intensity of TPP I labeling varied among several types of cells and showed a noticeable predilection for cells and/or organs associated with peptide hormone and neuropeptide production. In addition, TPP I immunoreactivity was increased in aging brain, neurodegenerative and lysosomal storage disorders, and some differentiated neoplasms and was reduced in ischemic/anoxic areas and undifferentiated tumors. These findings suggest that TPP I is involved in general protein turnover and that its expression may be controlled by various regulatory mechanisms, which highlights the importance of this enzyme for normal function of cells and organs in humans.

Tripeptidyl-peptidase I in neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses and other lysosomal storage disorders

The classic late infantile form of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (CLN2, cLINCL) is associated with mutations in the gene encoding tripeptidyl-peptidase I (TPP-I), a lysosomal aminopeptidase that cleaves off tripeptides from the free N-termini of oligopeptides. To date over 30 different mutations and 14 polymorphisms associated with CLN2 disease process have been identified. In the present study, we analysed the molecular basis of 15 different mutations of TPP-I by using immunocytochemistry, immunofluorescence, Western blotting, enzymatic assay and subcellular fractionation. In addition, we studied the expression of TPP-I in other lysosomal storage disorders such as CLN1, CLN3, muccopolysaccharidoses and GM1 and GM2 gangliosidoses. Our study shows that TPP-I is absent or appears in very small amounts not only in cLINCL subjects with mutations producing severely truncated protein, but also in individuals with missense point mutations, which correlates with loss of TPP-I activity. Of interest, small amounts of TPP-I were detected in lysosomal fraction from fibroblasts from cLINCL subject with protracted form. This observation suggests that the presence of small amounts of TPP-I in lysosomes is able to delay significantly CLN2 disease process. We also show that TPP-I immunoreactivity is increased in the brain tissue of CLN1 and CLN3 subjects, stronger in glial cells and macrophages than neurons. Less prominent increase of TPP-I staining was found in muccopolysaccharidoses and GM1 and GM2 gangliosidoses. These data suggest that TPP-I participates in lysosomal turnover of proteins in pathological conditions associated with cell/tissue injury.

Cellular pathology and pathogenic aspects of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses

Lysosomal accumulation of autofluorescent, ceroid lipopigment material in various tissues and organs is a common feature of the neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs). However, recent clinicopathologic and genetic studies have evidenced that NCLs encompass a group of highly heterogeneous disorders. In five of the eight NCL variants distinguished at present, genes associated with the disease process have been isolated and characterized (CLN1, CLN2, CLN3, CLN5, CLN8). Only products of two of these genes, CLN 1 and CLN2, have structural and functional properties of lysosomal enzymes. Nevertheless, according to the nature of the material accumulated in the lysosomes, NCLs in humans as well as natural animal models of these disorders can be divided into two major groups: those characterized by the prominent storage of saposins A and D, and those showing the predominance of subunit c of mitochondrial ATP synthase accumulation. Thus, taking into account the chemical character of the major component of the storage material, NCLs can be classified currently as proteinoses. Of importance, although lysosomal storage material accumulates in NCL subjects in various organs, only brain tissue shows severe dysfunction and cell death, another common feature of the NCL disease process. However, the relation between the genetic defects associated with the NCL forms, the accumulation of storage material, and tissue damage is still unknown. This chapter introduces the reader to the complex pathogenesis of NCLs and summarizes our current knowledge of the potential consequences of the genetic defects of NCL-associated proteins on the biology of the cell.

CLN3 disease process: missense point mutations and protein depletion in vitro

Although the CLN3 gene associated with the disease process in subjects with the juvenile form of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis was discovered in 1995, our knowledge of the physiological function of its gene product, CLN3 protein, is still incomplete. To gain more insight into the structural properties and function of CLN3 protein we studied at present: i) how the naturally occurring point mutations Arg334Cys and Leu101Pro affect the biological properties of CLN3 protein, and ii) whether depletion of CLN3 protein synthesis by using an antisense approach induces a distinct phenotype in cells of neuronal origin in vitro. Here we report that although both CLN3 mutant proteins are targeted to lysosomes, thus similar to wild-type CLN3 protein, they are devoid of the biological activity of wild-type CLN3 protein such as its effect on lysosomal pH or intracellular processing of amyloid-beta protein precursor and cathepsin D in vitro. The Leu101Pro mutation affected significantly the maturation and stability of CLN3 protein. The Arg334Cys mutation influenced mildly the maturation and turnover of CLN3 protein, but at the same time abolished the function of CLN3 protein in vitro, which suggests that the Arg334 may constitute a part of the active site of CLN3 protein. In addition, we show that depletion of CLN3 protein synthesis in human neuroblastoma cells in vitro induces outgrowth of long cellular processes and formation of cellular aggregates and affects the viability of these cells. This finding suggests that CLN3 protein is implicated in biological processes associated with the differentiation of cells of neuronal origin.

Sodium dodecyl sulfate-resistant complexes of Alzheimer's amyloid beta-peptide with the N-terminal, receptor binding domain of apolipoprotein E

Immunocytochemical, biochemical, and molecular genetic studies indicate that apolipoprotein E (apoE) plays an important role in the process of amyloidogenesis-beta. However, there is still no clear translation of these data into the pathogenesis of amyloidosis-beta. Previous studies demonstrated sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-resistant binding of apoE to the main component of Alzheimer's amyloid-A beta and modulation of A beta aggregation by apoE in vitro. To more closely characterize apoE-A beta interactions, we have studied the binding of thrombolytic fragments of apoE3 to A beta in vitro by using SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and intrinsic fluorescence quenching. Here we demonstrate that SDS-resistant binding of A beta is mediated by the receptor-binding, N-terminal domain of apoE3. Under native conditions, both the N- and C-terminal domains of apoE3 bind A beta; however, the former does so with higher affinity. We propose that the modulation of A beta binding to the N-terminal domain of apoE is a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of amyloidosis-beta.

CLN3 protein regulates lysosomal pH and alters intracellular processing of Alzheimer's amyloid-beta protein precursor and cathepsin D in human cells

Maintenance of the appropriate pH in the intracellular vacuolar compartments is essential for normal cell function. Here, we report that CLN3 protein, which is associated with the juvenile form of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (JNCL), participates in lysosomal pH homeostasis in human cells. We show that CLN3 protein increases lysosomal pH in cultured human embryonal kidney cells, whereas inhibition of CLN3 protein synthesis by antisense approach acidifies lysosomal compartments. These changes in lysosomal pH are sufficient to exert a significant biological effect and modify intracellular processing of amyloid-beta protein precursor and cathepsin D, model proteins whose metabolism is influenced by the pH of acidic organelles. Mutant CLN3 protein (R334C) that is associated with the classical JNCL phenotype was devoid of biological activities of wild-type CLN3 protein. These data suggest that the pathogenesis of juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis is associated with altered acidification of lysosomal compartments. Furthermore, our study indicates that CLN3 protein affects metabolism of proteins essential for cell functions, such as amyloid-beta protein precursor, implicated in Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis.

Posttranslational modification of CLN3 protein and its possible functional implication

The CLN3 gene associated with Batten disease and encoding a novel protein of a predicted 438 amino acids was cloned in 1995 by the International Batten Disease Consortium. The function of CLN3 protein remains unknown. Computer-based analysis predicted that CLN3 may contain several posttranslational modifications. Thus, to study the posttranslational modification of CLN3 protein, we have expressed a full-length CLN3 protein as a C-terminal fusion with green fluorescent protein of the jellyfish Aequerea victoria in a Chinese hamster ovary cell line. Previously, we have shown that CLN3 is a glycosylated protein from lysosomal compartment, and now, by using in vivo labeling with 32P, detection with anti-phosphoamino acid antibodies, and phosphoamino acid analysis, we demonstrate that CLN3 is a phosphorylated protein. We demonstrate that CLN3 protein does not undergo mannose 6-phosphate modification and that it is a membrane protein. Furthermore, we show that the level of CLN3 protein phosphorylation may be modulated by several protein kinases and phosphatases activators or inhibitors.

Expression studies of CLN3 protein (battenin) in fusion with the green fluorescent protein in mammalian cells in vitro

The gene for Batten disease, the CLN3 gene, encodes a novel, highly hydrophobic, multitransmembrane protein, predicted to consist of 438 amino acid residues. We have expressed a full-length CLN3 protein in fusion with green fluorescent protein in various cell lines to provide its initial biochemical characterization and subcellular localization. By using Western blotting, Percoll density gradient fractionation, and Triton X-114 extraction, we demonstrate that the product of the CLN3 gene, which we call battenin, in mammalian expression system studied is a highly glycosylated protein of lysosomal membrane. In addition our data suggest that CLN3 protein is processed proteolytically in acidic compartments of the cell. Thus, battenin represents the novel constituent of a growing family of lysosomal membrane proteins.

Studies of membrane association of CLN3 protein

The product of the CLN3 gene is a novel protein of unknown function. Simulations using amphiphacy algorithms have shown that structurally CLN3 may be another candidate for the family of membranous proteins. Signals controlling intracellular targeting of many membrane proteins are present as short sequences within their cytoplasmic domains. In fact, the sequence of CLN3 protein contains several such signaling sequences, which are conserved among mammals. First, at the N-terminus, potential N-myristoylation motif is present. Second, the C-terminal part of CLN3 protein contains both the dileucine motif, which is a potential lysosomal targeting signal, and the prenylation motif. There is scanty evidence of lysosomal and/or mitochondrial localization of CLN3 protein. However, the question of where the functional site of the cln3 protein exists in vivo remains unanswered. From theoretical calculations, we hypothesized that CLN3 should be an integral part of the membranous micro-environment. First, to test this hypothesis, we initiated detergent-partitioning experiments, localizing CLN3 predominantly in a pool of membranous protein. Further studies have shown that CLN3 protein integrates spontaneously with cellular membranes. Second, based on the prenylation results of CLN3 protein in vitro, we discussed the possible topological consequences of C-terminal fragment of CLN3 protein.

Reevaluation of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses: atypical juvenile onset may be the result of CLN2 mutations

This study describes the phenotype/genotype analyses of 56 probands with a juvenile onset, some of which had atypical features of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, collected at the New York State Institute for Basic Research (IBR). In this group, we found probands with abundant curvilinear profiles in lysosomal storage material, deficiency of pepstatin-insensitive peptidase, and mutations in the CLN2 gene, as well as patients with a predominance of granular osmiophilic deposits in the lysosomal storage material, deficiency of palmitoyl-protein thioesterase, and mutations in the CLN1 gene. We have divided the probands into two categories: typical (or classic) and atypical. Most of the typical and atypical probands had onset of symptoms about or after 4 years of age. Interfamiliar and intrafamiliar variations were found, especially in the speed of becoming practically blind. Thus, our study indicates that some mutations in the CLN1, CLN2, and CLN3 genes may be associated with late onset of the disease process, may have a more benign clinical course, and clinic overlap with other forms of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis.

Analysis of intracellular distribution and trafficking of the CLN3 protein in fusion with the green fluorescent protein in vitro

CLN3 gene, associated with juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, encodes a novel protein of a predicted 438 amino acid residues. We have expressed a full-length CLN3 protein and fragments thereof in fusion with green fluorescent protein in Chinese hamster ovary and human neuroblastoma cell lines to study its subcellular localization and intracellular trafficking pattern. By using laser scanning confocal microscopy, we demonstrate that the full-length CLN3 fusion protein is targeted to lysosomal compartments. Tunicamycin treatment did not alter the lysosomal targeting of the CLN3 protein, which indicates that extensive N-glycosylation of the full-length CLN3 fusion protein is not engaged in its lysosomal sorting. Monensin produced retention of CLN3 fusion protein in vesicular structure of the Golgi apparatus in the perinuclear space, suggesting that CLN3 fusion protein is transported to the lysosomal compartments through the trans-Golgi cisternae. Neither of the truncated CLN3 fusion proteins encompassing its 1-138, 1-322, and 138-438 amino acid residues was disclosed in lysosomal compartments. However, CLN3 fusion protein showing double-point mutations at amino acid residues 425 and 426, thus at its putative dileucine lysosomal signaling motif, was still targeted to lysosomes, suggesting that a dileucine motif alone is not sufficient for lysosomal sorting of the CLN3 fusion protein.

Evidence for phosphorylation of CLN3 protein associated with Batten disease

Recently, the CLN3 gene associated with Batten disease (juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, JNCL), a recessively inherited, progressive, neurodegenerative disorder of childhood, has been identified. The CLN3 gene encodes a novel protein (battenin) of a predicted 438 amino acids containing several potential posttranslational modifications. We have expressed a full-length CLN3 protein as a C-terminal fusion with green fluorescent protein (GFP) to evaluate whether CLN3 protein is phosphorylated. By using in vivo labeling with 32P, detection with anti-phosphoamino acid antibodies, and phosphoamino acid analysis, we demonstrate that the CLN3 protein is phosphorylated on both serine and threonine residues. We also demonstrate that CLN3 protein is not modified by mannose 6-phosphate. Furthermore, we show that phosphorylation of CLN3 protein is carried out by protein kinase A (cAMP-dependent protein kinase, PKA), protein kinase G (cGMP-dependent protein kinase, PKG), and casein kinase II and that it is enhanced by inhibition of protein phosphatase 1 (PP 1) or protein phosphatase 2A (PP 2A).

Compound heterozygous genotype is associated with protracted juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis

We present a clinicopathological study and the first molecular genetic analysis of a family with 2 siblings affected by a rare, protracted form of juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (JNCL). Molecular genetic studies showed that both siblings, in addition to being heterozygous for the 1.02-kb CLN3 deletion, a common mutation in JNCL, also had a G-to-A missense mutation at nucleotide 1,020 of the CLN3 cDNA sequence on the non-1.02-kb deletion chromosomes. This point mutation resulted in a substitution of glutamic acid by lysine at position 295 of the CLN3 protein. Thus, a single point mutation at residue 295 of the CLN3 protein in protracted JNCL may underlie the phenotype in this form, which differs from that in classic JNCL.

Expression studies of CLN3 protein

Expression of the gene for Batten disease (CLN3) was studied in Escherichia coli and in a cell-free rabbit reticulocyte expression systems. A full-length recombinant fusion CLN3 protein was not produced in the bacterial systems used. However, both N-terminal fragment encompassing 246 amino acids and short C-terminal fragment containing 428-438 amino acids of the CLN3 protein were successfully overexpressed in bacteria. Further studies showed that the C-terminal sequence of the CLN3 protein corresponding to the 356-438 amino acid residues was responsible for inhibition of protein synthesis in bacteria. The full-length CLN3 gene product was readily synthesized in vitro in the cell-free rabbit reticulocyte expression system. The product obtained, corresponding to core CLN3 protein, showed an approximate molecular weight of 43 kDa. Immunoprecipitation of this product with pAb to 4-19 amino acids of the CLN3 protein allows us to suggest that CLN3 protein translation starts at Met-1.

Atypical late infantile and juvenile forms of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis and their diagnostic difficulties

We have collected 122 late-infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (LINCL, CLN2) and 191 juvenile NCL (JNCL, CLN3) cases, diagnosed on the basis of age-at-onset, clinical symptomatology, and pathological findings and representing the most common forms of NCL in the United States, and Europe. However, careful analysis of available data revealed that about 80% of cases show typical and 20% show atypical clinical course and/or pathological findings and thus, may represent variants of LINCL and JNCL, respectively. Recent progress in the biochemistry and molecular genetics of NCL inclined us to reevaluate these atypical NCL cases. The gene responsible for LINCL has not yet been identified, except for the Finnish variant. Accumulation of subunit c of mitochondrial ATP synthase, to curvilinear profiles, is found in LINCL cases. A novel variant of LINCL, with predominantly granular profiles in the lysosomal storage, as well as normal excretion of subunit c in urine samples, was found in five cases. When the palmitoyle-protein thioesterase (PPT) was studied in these five cases, it was found that the level was deficient, suggesting that they are not LINCL, but the infantile form of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (INCL). Using molecular genetic techniques in the typical JNCL cases, common 1.02 kb deletion to CLN3 was found in 23/27 (homozygotes) and in one allele 4/27 (heterozygotes) in affected pedigrees. In atypical JNCL pedigrees, it was found in 5/16 heterozygotes, while in 1/5 pedigrees, a novel mutation of one atypical JNCL where a single amino acid substitution at 295 E-->K was found in one allele. None of the atypical JNCL cases was homozygote. In atypical JNCL cases where mutation in CLN3 has not been identified (11/16 probands), several possibilities may exist. The phenotype may be caused by a yet undefined mutation in CLN3 or may be due to phenotypically overlapping with other forms of NCL. Pheno/genotypic correlation and the diagnostic difficulties are discussed.

Conformational mimicry in Alzheimer's disease. Role of apolipoproteins in amyloidogenesis

Several apolipoproteins are known to be closely associated with amyloid fibrillogenesis. Serum amyloid A, apolipoprotein (apo) AII and apo A1 are each deposited as biochemically distinct forms of amyloid. Late-onset Alzheimer's disease is linked to one isotype of apo E, apo E4. Apo E and apo E4 in particular have been shown to modulate amyloid fibril formation by amyloid-beta peptides in vitro. Furthermore, the carboxy terminus of apo E has been shown to be a constituent of plaque amyloid. We show immunohistochemically and electron microscopically the presence of apo A1 in senile plaques. The intact apo A1 can itself form amyloid-like fibrils in vitro that are Congo Red positive. We propose that some proteins when misfolded can propagate this misfolding to identical units, either autocatalytically or to other proteins that are induced to fold into the same abnormal conformation. This conformational mimicry may initiate and/or augment fibrillogenesis in Alzheimer's disease.

Deposition of apolipoproteins E and J in senile plaques is topographically determined in both Alzheimer's disease and Down's syndrome brain

The link between the immunolocalization of apolipoproteins E (apo E) and J (apo J) and the different severity of beta-amyloid deposition in various areas of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Down's syndrome (DS) brain was analyzed. Both apolipoproteins were found in all types of senile plaques (SPs) in the cerebral cortex, which is early and severely involved in beta-amyloidosis, but apo E was seen more often than apo J in diffuse A beta deposits, especially in young DS cases and nondemented elderly persons. In the striatum and cerebellum, which show predominance of diffuse A beta deposits throughout the lifespan, apo J was absent, except for few compact deposits, whereas apo E was more widely distributed, apart from diffuse plaques in the striatum. By immunoelectron microscopy, A beta fibrils were disclosed in diffuse plaques in all brain regions studied, but not all of these early fibrillar deposits, even in the neocortex of young DS cases, showed apo E and apo J labeling. Thus, our data indicate that the immunoreactivity to apo E and J within A beta deposits is topographically determined in both AD and DS brain. Moreover, although it appears that neither of apolipoproteins studied is necessary to initiate A beta fibrillogenesis, disclosed topographic dissimilarities of their distribution within parenchymal A beta deposits suggest that they may be involved in different ways in the pathogenesis of beta-amyloidosis.

Early amyloid-beta deposits show different immunoreactivity to the amino- and carboxy-terminal regions of beta-peptide in Alzheimer's disease and Down's syndrome brain

That the topography, severity, and progression of beta-amyloid deposition in the brain of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Down's syndrome (DS) cases is not uniform is well documented. We have addressed at present, the issue of whether the structural composition of beta-peptide (A beta) within the early amyloid deposits might contribute to this phenomenon. The cerebral cortex, the caudate/putamen, and the cerebellum from 10 AD and 8 DS cases were immunostained with antibodies that recognize the 1-17; 17-24 amino acid residues of A beta, and the COOH-terminus of A beta 42 variant, thus to the epitopes of A beta located amino- and carboxy-terminally to the site of the putative alpha-secretase cleavage. We demonstrate that numerous diffuse, early plaques in AD and especially in DS cases show predominance of the carboxy-terminally located epitopes of A beta; the most prominent in the cerebellum, less pronounced in the cerebral cortex, and only marginal, or absent in the striatum, except for some DS cases. These data suggest that the deposition of the carboxy-terminal fragment of A beta truncated at the position of alpha-secretase cleavage or close to it in diffuse plaques may be brain-region-specific, reflecting either dissimilar processing of amyloid precursor protein or the resolution of early A beta deposits, and may substantially contribute to different progression of beta-amyloidosis in various brain regions.

Topographic variabilities of immunoreactivity to subunit c of mitochondrial ATP synthase and lectin binding in late infantile neuronal ceroid-lipofuscinosis

A subset of lipophilic neurons in the brain tissue of late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (LINCL) cases shows in addition to finely granular storage lipopigment, larger spheroidal lysosomal inclusions, so called protein-type myoclonus bodies. Their incidence, significance, and biochemical composition have not been determined. To further characterize this type of lysosomal storage material, immunocytochemistry to subunit c of mitochondrial ATP synthase at the light and electron microscopy level, electron microscopy, and lectin histochemistry were applied. The majority of spheroidal inclusions were nonreactive to subunit c, the main protein component of the storage material in LINCL. These inclusions also showed no binding sites for the eight lectins examined, although six of the lectins used labeled finely granular storage material. According to electron and immunoelectron microscopy, spheroidal inclusions were composed of more homogeneous and more densely arranged material than typical curvilinear profiles, with shorter membranous profiles and sometime filamentous structures. The dissimilarities disclosed between finely granular lipopigment with curvilinear profiles and spheroidal inclusions in LINCL brain tissue suggest that either protein(s) other than subunit c are present in spheroidal inclusions, or subunit c in these sites undergoes conformational or proteolytic changes. These changes require further biochemical evaluations.

Rapid detection of subunit c of mitochondrial ATP synthase in urine as a diagnostic screening method for neuronal ceroid-lipofuscinoses

Using Western blot analysis and the ELISA technique, we showed previously significantly higher levels of subunit c in the urine of individuals with late-infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (LINCL) and some patients with juvenile NCL (JNCL) [Wisniewski et al., J. Inherited Metab Dis 17: 205-210, 1994]. In an attempt to develop a diagnostic screening test for NCL based on detection of this biochemical marker in urine, we analyzed, using the blotting technique, urine from 7 infantile NCL (INCL), 17 LINCL, and 19 JNCL cases, 30 obligate heterozygotes, and 60 control cases. This analysis confirmed our former data showing significantly higher levels of subunit c in the urine from all LINCL and some JNCL cases. No false positive results were found. This simple analytical method may serve as a fast, non-invasive screening test for NCL.

Complete cerebral ischemia with short-term survival in rat induced by cardiac arrest. II. Extracellular and intracellular accumulation of apolipoproteins E and J in the brain

The distribution of apolipoprotein E (apo E) and apolipoprotein J (apo J) was investigated immunocytochemically in rats at various time intervals after 10 min global cerebral ischemia (GCI) induced by cardiac arrest. Strong apo E and weaker apo J immunoreactivity was found extracellularly in multiple deposits located close to the microvessels. These deposits appeared 3 h after GCI and were present, but not in all the animals, at all time intervals studied post-GCL. In some rats, apo E immunoreactivity was also found in small necrotic foci. Widespread, neuronal apo E immunostaining appeared 6 h post-GCI. However, the strongest neuronal apo E immunoreactivity was found 7 days post-GCI in those neurons, most often observed in the CA1 hippocampal region, exhibiting signs of ischemic cell damage. These ischemically damaged neurons displayed weaker immunoreactivity to apo J, despite its increase in the response to GCI in the various brain regions examined. Our data show that mechanisms operating in ischemia are able to supply large amounts of apo E and apo J to the brain tissue and suggest involvement of both apo E and apo J in a complex series of events occurring in the ischemic brain. Perivascular deposits of apo E/apo J colocalized with amyloid beta protein precursor epitopes that have been disclosed by us previously in this model. Whether this phenomenon is limited to postischemic brain tissue, or can be encountered also in other pathological conditions will require further elaboration.

Complete cerebral ischemia with short-term survival in rats induced by cardiac arrest. I. Extracellular accumulation of Alzheimer's beta-amyloid protein precursor in the brain

The distribution of beta-amyloid protein precursor (APP) was investigated immunocytochemically in rats subjected to global cerebral ischemia (GCI) induced by cardiac arrest. Rats underwent 10 min of GCI with 3, 6, and 12 h and 2 and 7 days of survival. APP immunostaining was found extracellular and intracellularly. Multiple extracellular APP immunoreactive deposits around and close to the vessels appeared as soon as 3 h after GCI. Extracellular accumulation of APP occurred frequently in the hippocampus, cerebral and cerebellar cortex, basal ganglia and thalamus and rarely in the brain stem. These deposits were labelled with antibodies against the N-terminal, beta-amyloid peptide, and C-terminal domains of APP. Our data suggests that either proteolytically cleaved fragments of the full-length APP or the entire APP molecule accumulates extracellularly after GCI. This findings may not only implicate the participation of APP in postischemic tissue damage but also suggest the involvement of pathomechanisms operating in ischemia in Alzheimer's disease pathology.

Subacute sensory neuronopathy in small cell cancer of the lung. Immunocytochemical study of 2 cases

Two cases of subacute sensory neuronopathy (SSN) associated with small cell lung cancer are reported. In both cases motor disability, attributed to motor neuropathy and neuronopathy, respectively, accompanied SSN. Immunohistochemical studies performed provide further data suggesting the involvement of humoral antibodies and the participation of protease inhibitors in the pathogenesis of SSN.

Regional differences in apolipoprotein E immunoreactivity in diffuse plaques in Alzheimer's disease brain

Apolipoprotein E (Apo E) has been shown to be closely associated with beta amyloid in Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain. In the present study, we have found strong Apo E immunoreactivity in the amyloid cores of senile plaques (SP) in the various brain regions examined. However, Apo E immunoreactivity in diffuse plaques varied distinctly and was strong within numerous cerebellar and cortical diffuse plaques, and absent or very weak within diffuse plaques in the striatum/thalamus. This distribution of Apo E immunoreactivity in SP correlates with the occurrence of small amounts of fibrillar amyloid in diffuse plaques that has been described in the cerebral and cerebellar cortex, but not in the basal ganglia. These results show that Apo E may be associated with sites of beta amyloid fibril formation in diffuse plaques in AD brain, but they also suggest that factors other than Apo E, probably local, may influence fibrillogenesis.

Increased urine concentration of subunit c of mitochondrial ATP synthase in neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses patients

In searching for an easily available diagnostic test for the neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCL), we screened urine collected from 8 late-infantile and 12 juvenile NCL cases, 8 obligate heterozygotes, and 16 controls for the presence of subunit c of mitochondrial ATP synthase. Subunit c is a component of the storage material in brain and other tissues of various forms of NCL, apart from the infantile form. Using Western blot analysis and the ELISA technique, we have found significantly higher levels of subunit c in the urine of late-infantile and some juvenile patients. This finding may have clinical application in developing a diagnostic test for NCL.

Increased expression of subunit c of mitochondrial ATP synthase in brain tissue from neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses and mucopolysaccharidosis cases but not in long-term fibroblast cultures

Recent data showed storage of subunit c of mitochondrial ATP synthase in late infantile, juvenile, and adult forms of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL). The present study demonstrates that the expression of subunit c in NCL fibroblasts in long-term cultures, both grown in standard conditions and after leupeptin and ammonium chloride treatment, is not greater than in controls. It indicates that as a result of yet undefined factors, NCL fibroblasts in long-term cultures, lose their ability to accumulate subunit c. Moreover, both Western blot analysis of brain tissue homogenates and immunohistochemistry showed increased immunoreactivity to subunit c in mucopolysaccharidosis type I and III. This increased subunit c expression in a disorder with impaired lysosomal function other than the NCL supports the hypothesis that accumulation of this proteolipid might be related to its defective degradation.